VANCOUVER, B.C - David Ousted will represent the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS All-Star game tonight in Colorado against English Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur. Since joining the Whitecaps mid-season in 2013, Ousted has worked tirelessly to prove that he is among the top keepers in Major League Soccer. It hasn't been until this season that he is finally earning respect, and accolades from around the league. Ousted led MLS with 13 clean-sheets in 2014, but was shockingly not nominated for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.
Ousted leads MLS goalkeepers with 11 wins this season, and is tied for second with 7 clean sheets. He also leads the way with four MLS Save of the Week honours, including three consecutive wins from Week 16-18. If he can continue his terrific play, Ousted should be a lock for 2015 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Earning his first All-Star game nod from MLS All-Star Coach Pablo Mastroeni puts Ousted in elite company. Not wanting to draw attention to himself, Ousted credits the Whitecaps overall team success for his success as he prepares for the All-Star game.
"I'm definitely very honoured. It's an honour for me personally. I think it's an honour for the team as well, to have someone picked. It shows where we are right now in the standings. We're there because of what we did as a team and having this personal accolade is always nice."
Even though it's all about the overall team performance and how well the Whitecaps are playing each and every game. Deep down inside, it feels great to be recognized for your accomplishments. Ousted is thankful to get the call up for what should be a cracking game vs Spurs.
"Yeah, no it is. I've said all a long that I don't feel like I was missing that recognition. I think everybody's always viewed me as a good goalkeeper. It's definitely nice to get this call up."
While he was recovering from a calf injury, Pedro Morales had a lot of time to watch and marvel at Ousted's saves. Not only does the Chilean see what Ousted is capable of doing in a match, but he also see the Danish stopper every day at training. Morales believes that Ousted has saved Vancouver at least a couple of goals against each game this season.
"Last season was very good for David and this season he's unbelievable. I think David's played well every game. He's saved every game two or three goals. He's a good guy, he trains hard everyday. He's number one, it's good when you have a number one goalkeeper. You have confidence behind you and I'd like to say congratulations to David."
While Morales missed five-matches, Ousted was often tasked with wearing the captain's arm band. The Great Dane is one of the most vocal players on the Whitecaps. He is often yelling directions, encouragement, and waving his arms about during matches and training sessions. Coming into a match with an entire new set of teammates... will David Ousted stay calm and cool with his back-line?
"I think I'll have to, I don't want to ruin any of them for their own teams. No, I'm going to take that MLS game experience as it is. Going in and playing my hardest. It's going to be hard, it's 11/18 guys coming together to play a game suddenly. It's going to be a little different than what we do here."
The 30 year-old Ousted is looking forward to playing against fellow countryman, Christian Eriksen. The 23 year-old attacking midfielder is a creative and explosive option for Tottenham Manager Mauricio Pochettino. The former Ajax man has scored 17 goals for Spurs in his first two seasons with the North London club. Ousted is well aware of Eriksen's abilities and hopes to find time to catch up with him.
"I know him from Denmark, obviously he's one of our best players in Denmark. I'm looking forward to playing him. It's going to be fun and hopefully I can get a little chat with him afterwards to see how he's doing."
Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando is expected to share time in net vs Tottenham. It's unknown which half Rimando and Ousted will play. With scouts in attendance, Ousted will hope to do what he does best with the Whitecaps. If he stands on his head the Denmark national team might finally find Ousted's number.
|